World No Tobacco Day 2005
MCFD Press Release
Worldwide, cancer is on the increase. And so are
tobacco-related cancers: since 1975, lung cancer rates have doubled worldwide.
Already, 1.4 million people die of lung cancer every year. Tobacco is also a
cause of other cancers, including cancers of the mouth, head and neck; kidney;
pancreas; and uterine cervix.
Health and cancer organisations across the world know only too well the
devastating impact of tobacco use. Tobacco is a major preventable cause of
cancer. Tobacco use accounts for one in five of all cancers worldwide, and the
toll is set to rise.
The International Union Against Cancer has as its vision a world in which cancer
is no longer a major life-threatening disease. The Malta College of Family
Doctors shares that aspiration, and recognises that tackling cancer requires
concerted action to curb tobacco use.
In order to cut down on Malta's one death a day associated with smoking, the
Malta College of Family Doctors advises family physicians and all healthcare
professionals to warn their patients:
- 'Do not smoke'.
- 'Smokers, stop as quickly as possible and do not smoke in the presence of
others', especially children.
- 'If you do not smoke, do not try it.'
These recommendations are taken from the European Code against Cancer, which
affirms that certain cancers can be avoided and general health improved if one
adopts a healthier lifestyle.
Health and cancer organisations thus have a crucial part to play. The World
Health Organisation Code of Practice for Health Professional Organisations sets
out key actions on tobacco:
1. Speaking out on the health effects of tobacco, and advising tobacco users to
stop.
2. Engaging their membership and resources in tobacco control
3. Supporting the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The WHO Code also emphasises the importance of shunning partnerships with the
tobacco industry, which pursues profit at the expenses of people's health and
lives.
The Malta College of Family Doctors (MCFD) supports the principles and purpose
of the WHO Code of Practice, and urges other health and cancer organisations to
do the same. The MCFD commends those governments (including Malta) who have
ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which sets out
evidence-based policies proven to cut tobacco use. The MCFD urges all
governments to ratify and implement the Convention without delay.
Cancer is an important and growing health problem worldwide. The task before us
is enormous, and cutting tobacco use must be an essential part of the global
fight against cancer. On World No Tobacco Day 2005, the Malta College of Family
Doctors stands ready to play its part.
For further details please contact:
Dr Saviour Cilia, Secretary for Information, Malta College of Family Doctors
E-mail: mcfd@synapse.net.mt
Fax: +356-23331125